Clearwater Sister Cities

10/13/2026

Clearwater Sister Cities remembers with great affection Annabell Eve Raulerson, a lifetime member of our organization who passed away on October 4. Annabell was part of a family whose legacy is deeply connected to our sister city relationship with Nagano, Japan.

Annabell was the daughter of Grant Raulerson, who played an instrumental role in establishing Clearwater's relationship with Nagano in the 1950s. She carried on that connection throughout her life, helping her family welcome visitors from Japan into their home and forming lasting friendships with residents of Nagano. In 2001, she accompanied her father on an official delegation visit to Nagano, continuing a family tradition of friendship and cultural exchange.

Annabell embodied the spirit of sister cities through her warmth, generosity, and genuine friendships across cultures. She will be fondly remembered for the kindness and friendship she shared with so many.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

🕊️ Services will be held Tuesday, October 20, with a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Clearwater, followed by a Committal Service at Curlew Hills at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at Dunedin Brewery.

10/12/2026

🇯🇵 Applications are now open for the 2027 Clearwater Sister Cities Young Ambassador Program! 🇺🇸

🌏 Each summer, Clearwater Sister Cities offers local middle school students the opportunity to travel to Japan for an immersive cultural exchange with our sister city of Nagano. Students explore Japan, attend school, stay with host families, and experience Japanese culture firsthand while building lasting friendships.

🎒 We're currently accepting applications for enthusiastic students and volunteer chaperones interested in participating in the 2027 exchange.

📝 Learn more about the program, eligibility, and how to apply: https://clearwatersistercities.org/young-ambassadors/

📣 Please help us spread the word to local students, families, and educators!

09/24/2026

The City of Clearwater is still looking for a couple homestay families to host Nagano male high school students from Oct 21-30 and a Nagano teacher from Oct 25-31.

If interested, please apply at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01a05ec9905a797eb28a768ca6dec1c1 or reach out to us at [email protected]

08/18/2026

It's time to start preparing for exchange students from Nagano! Interested in learning about Japan and making friends? Hosting a student from Japan is a great way to start building international friendships.

Exchange Student Host Families Needed: Clearwater and Nagano, Japan, have been sister cities for more than 65 years, with student exchanges taking place since 1990. From Oct. 21 to 30, a group of high school students from Nagano will visit Clearwater, and we're looking for host families to welcome them. The city also hosts a middle-school group every March. If you're interested in hosting a family or if you'd like to learn more about the program, visit MyClearwater.com/SisterCities

08/12/2026

Wishing all our local students a great first week back at school! 🍎✏️📒

08/07/2026

We're delighted and honored to be an awardee for the inaugural Art Everywhere initiative with Creative Pinellas and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. We'll be partnering with the City of Clearwater and other local cultural organizations for a festival in early December!

08/06/2026

Last night our 2026 Young Ambassadors shared stories and insights from their June exchange trip to Nagano. It was inspiring to hear all they learned, experienced, and the lessons they brought home to share with their friends and family.

Thank you to everyone who attended to support the Young Ambassadors!

07/07/2026

Today is Tanabata! See how this ancient summer festival is celebrated throughout Japan 🎋✨️

07/07/2026

The exchange portion of the High School Student Ambassadors' journey in Nagano has come to a close, but the adventure isn't over yet! The group is spending a few more days exploring the culture, history, and traditions of Tokyo. So far, they've visited Sensō-ji in Asakusa, explored the famous Toyosu Market, and taken in breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree—just to name a few of the highlights before they head home.

07/04/2026

In recognition of the semiquincentennial, Japan gifted 250 cherry blossom trees to the USA. What a beautiful symbol of our international friendship 🇺🇸🌸🇯🇵